Nova specializes in one thing: importing and distributing premium Ipe hardwood decking and related products. They’re not trying to be everything to everyone. Their focus is tropical hardwoods — specifically Ipe (Brazilian Walnut) — for contractors who need decking that’ll outlast the building it’s attached to.
The numbers back up the premium positioning. Ipe comes in at 3,680 lbf on the Janka hardness scale with a density of 1,050 kg/m³ (~69 lb/ft³). For comparison, that’s harder than white oak (1,360 lbf) and denser than most domestic hardwoods you’ll find. The material carries a Class A fire rating — equivalent to steel and concrete. That matters in Montana’s wildfire zones where ember-resistant construction isn’t optional anymore.
Product Line and Specifications
Nova’s catalog focuses on dimensional Ipe lumber for deck construction. They’re not dabbling in composites or trying to compete on price with pressure-treated pine.
Decking Boards and Structural Components
Their 1x6 decking boards (actual dimension 0.75” x 5.5”) represent the core product, available in lengths up to 20 feet. They also supply 1x4, 5/4x6, and 2x6 decking options, giving contractors flexibility for different structural requirements and aesthetic preferences.
| Product | Actual Dimensions | Key Properties |
|---|---|---|
| 1x4 Decking | 0.75” x 3.5” | Up to 20’ lengths |
| 1x6 Decking | 0.75” x 5.5” | 4,000 lbs per 1,000 BF |
| 5/4x6 Decking | 1” x 5.5” | Premium thickness option |
| 2x6 Decking | 1.5” x 5.5” | 4,500 lbs per 1,000 BF |
| 2x2 Balusters | 1.375” x 1.375” | ~1.09 lbs per linear foot |
| 4x4 Posts | 3.5” x 3.5” | Up to 20 feet lengths |
The mechanical properties tell the real story. With a modulus of rupture at 25,400 psi and modulus of elasticity at 3,140,000 psi, this material handles structural loads that would make pressure-treated lumber cry. That density translates directly to snow load capacity — critical when you’re building in areas that see 94 psf ground loads.
Grading Standards
Nova offers two grades: First Clear (100% heartwood with no open defects on one face) and Select (tighter knots, burls, few small open defects). Both grades maintain the same structural integrity. The difference is purely aesthetic, which matters more to some clients than others.
Why Ipe Works in Montana
The material properties align perfectly with Montana’s building challenges. Natural resistance to rot, decay, and insects comes built-in — no chemical treatments required. That’s not marketing fluff. The density makes it physically impossible for most wood-boring insects to penetrate, and the natural oils repel moisture that causes rot in softer woods.
Life expectancy runs 50-75 years in exterior applications. Compare that to 15-20 years for pressure-treated pine or 20-30 years for cedar in Montana’s freeze-thaw environment. The upfront cost stings, but the math works out over decades.
Installation Considerations
Dense wood demands specific installation practices. Nova requires 1/4” spacing between 6” boards and stainless steel fasteners throughout. Regular deck screws will corrode and fail — the wood outlasts the hardware if you cheap out. End-sealing with water-resistant wax is mandatory to prevent checking as the wood acclimates.
Ground clearance requirements vary by dimension: 36” minimum for 1x6 boards. That’s higher than code minimum for pressure-treated, accounting for the material’s density and moisture characteristics.
The photosensitive properties mean the rich brown color darkens to olive-brown with UV exposure, eventually weathering to silver-grey if left untreated. Some clients love the weathered look. Others want to maintain the original color with annual oiling. Either works — the structural integrity remains regardless of finish choices.
The Bottom Line
Nova delivers what they promise: premium Ipe hardwood with specifications that justify the premium price in harsh climates. They’re not pretending to compete with composite decking on price or pressure-treated lumber on availability.
For contractors building in wildfire zones, dealing with extreme snow loads, or working for clients who measure deck lifespan in decades rather than years, Nova’s Ipe products make sense. The Class A fire rating alone opens doors for projects where other decking materials simply don’t qualify.
Skip it if the budget won’t support premium materials or if the project timeline can’t accommodate special-order lead times. But for the right application — high-end residential, commercial projects requiring fire ratings, or anywhere longevity trumps initial cost — Nova’s focus on quality Ipe hardwood fills a specific niche in the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How hard is Nova’s Ipe decking compared to other wood species?
Nova’s Ipe decking rates at 3,680 lbf on the Janka hardness scale, making it one of the hardest decking materials available. For perspective, that’s nearly three times harder than white oak (1,360 lbf) and significantly harder than any domestic lumber species commonly used for decking.
Q: What fire rating does Nova Ipe decking carry?
Nova’s Ipe products carry a Class A fire rating, which is equivalent to steel and concrete. This rating makes Ipe suitable for construction in wildfire-prone areas where ember-resistant materials are required by code.
Q: What dimensions does Nova offer for Ipe decking boards?
Nova supplies Ipe decking in multiple sizes: 1x4 (actual 0.75” x 3.5”), 1x6 (actual 0.75” x 5.5”), 5/4x6 (actual 1” x 5.5”), and 2x6 (actual 1.5” x 5.5”), all available in lengths up to 20 feet. They also stock 2x2 balusters (actual 1.375” x 1.375”) and 4x4 posts (actual 3.5” x 3.5”) for complete deck systems.
Q: How long will Nova Ipe decking last in outdoor conditions?
Nova states their Ipe decking has a life expectancy of 50-75 years in exterior applications, backed by a 25-year warranty. This extreme longevity comes from Ipe’s natural resistance to rot, decay, and insects, requiring no chemical treatments.
Q: How much does Nova Ipe decking weigh?
Nova’s Ipe decking weighs approximately 4,000 pounds per 1,000 board feet for 1x6 boards and 4,500 pounds per 1,000 board feet for 2x6 boards. The material has a density of 1,050 kg/m³ (~69 lb/ft³), making it significantly heavier than conventional lumber.
Q: What grades does Nova offer for their Ipe products?
Nova offers two grades: First Clear (100% heartwood with no open defects on one face) and Select grade (allows tighter knots, burls, and few small open defects). Both grades feature mixed grain (MG) patterns and come surfaced on all four sides with eased edges (S4S E4E).
Q: Does Nova Ipe change color over time?
Nova’s Ipe is photosensitive and naturally darkens from its initial dark brown color to a rich olive-brown upon UV exposure. If left untreated, the wood will eventually weather to a silver-grey patina while maintaining all its structural properties.
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Our landscape & concrete specialists can help you find the right Nova products for your project.
